Low profile crossbar clamp assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a low profile crossbar clamp assembly. A crossbar clamp assembly includes first and second jaws, each suspended from and slidable along a guide rail, a horizontal fastener assembly and a vertical fastener assembly. The vertical fastener assembly includes a bolt extending through the first jaw with a head portion of the bolt located in the longitudinal slot of the guide rail. A horizontal fastener assembly extends through a lower portion of each of the first and second jaws, and the assembly is configured to receive a crossbar above the horizontal fastener assembly. Tightening of the vertical fastener assembly fixes the first jaw relative to the guide rail, and tightening of the horizontal fastener assembly pulls the first jaw and the second jaw together to clamp the received crossbar between the jaws.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 649,874, filed May 20, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. BACKGROUND

[0003] Roof crossbars are commonly used to secure recreational equipment to a vehicle. For example, roof bike racks or cargo carriers can be clamped to two or more crossbars. Each crossbar can be supported between two towers that are secured to the vehicle and extend laterally across the vehicle perpendicular to the direction of travel. Crossbars can be used on vehicle roofs, truck beds, trailers, and / or attached to the top of other recreational equipment to allow for stacking.

[0004] In addition to supporting the weight of the secured equipment, crossbar clamps can need to resist forces in the direction of travel and across the vehicle. The size, cross-sectional shape, and spacing between crossbars and the vehicle also vary. Therefore, there is a need to design a crossbar clamp that accommodates a wide variety of bars and has an adjustable position. Position retention of the clamp is particularly beneficial for equipment that can be repeatedly installed and removed.

[0005] Roof tents are a growing popular crossbar-secured recreational equipment. Instead of transporting a tent inside a vehicle and then setting it up on the ground, campers can transport a roof tent clamped to a vehicle crossbar and then open the tent in place on top of the vehicle.

[0006] The bottom platform or footprint of such tents can make it difficult to access the clamps securing the tent to the crossbar for installation or adjustment. Also, any height of the clamp above the crossbar elevates the tent, which negatively impacts aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for a low-profile clamp with easily accessible clamping mechanisms.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods related to crossbar clamps. In some examples, a crossbar clamp assembly can include first and second jaws, a horizontal fastener assembly, and a vertical fastener assembly, each jaw being suspended on a rail and being slidable along the rail. The vertical fastener assembly can include a bolt extending through the first jaw, a head portion of the bolt being seated in a longitudinal slot of the rail. The horizontal fastener assembly can extend through lower portions of each of the first and second jaws, and the assembly can be configured to receive a crossbar above the horizontal fastener assembly. Tightening of the vertical fastener assembly can secure the first jaw relative to the rail, and tightening of the horizontal fastener assembly can draw the first and second jaws together to clamp the received crossbar between the jaws.

[0009] In some examples, a clamp assembly for securing recreational equipment to a crossbar can include a rail, first and second jaws, a first fastener assembly, and a second fastener assembly. The rail can be secured to the recreational equipment, and each jaw can be suspended on a lower portion of the rail and be slidable along the lower portion of the rail. The first fastener assembly can extend through the first jaw into a longitudinal slot of the rail, and the second fastener assembly can extend through lower portions of the first and second jaws. Tightening of the first fastener assembly can secure the first jaw relative to the rail, and tightening of the second fastener assembly can draw the first and second jaws together to clamp a received crossbar between the jaws.

[0010] In some examples, a method of securing recreational equipment to a crossbar can include securing a rail to an underside of the recreational equipment, and lifting the recreational equipment into position on top of the crossbar. The method can further include sliding a first jaw along the rail into position against the crossbar, and tightening a vertical fastener to secure the first jaw relative to the rail. The method can further include inserting a horizontal fastener through aligned apertures of the first and second jaws below the crossbar, and tightening the horizontal fastener to draw the second jaw toward the first jaw to clamp the crossbar.

[0011] Features, functions, and advantages can be independently implemented or combined in still additional examples of the present disclosure, additional details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an illustrative vehicle including a roof crossbar.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an illustrative roof tent assembly secured to a roof crossbar of the vehicle of FIG. 1

[0014] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an illustrative roof tent assembly secured to a roof crossbar of the vehicle of​FIG. 2 A perspective view of the lower side of a roof tent assembly, which includes a pair of illustrative low-profile crossbar clamp assemblies according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 It is a section fixed to the crossbar. FIG. 3 A perspective view of a clamp in a crossbar clamp assembly.

[0016] FIG. 5 From FIG. 2 The rooftop tent assembly is seen below in an unsecured and unclamped state. FIG. 4 An isometric detail view of the fixture.

[0017] FIG. 6 From FIG. 2 The rooftop tent assembly shown below is in both fixed and unclamped modes. FIG. 4 An isometric detail view of the fixture.

[0018] FIG. 7 It is the section AA along the line in the unfixed and unclamped mode. FIG. 4 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fixture.

[0019] FIG. 8 It is the section AA along the line in both fixed and clamping modes. FIG. 4 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the crossbar clamp.

[0020] FIG. 9 It is the section AA along the line in both fixed and clamping modes. FIG. 4 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the crossbar clamp.

[0021] FIG. 10 It is the section along the line BB that is in the unclamped mode. FIG. 4 The transverse cross-section of the crossbar clamp.

[0022] FIG. 11 It is the section along line BB that is in clamping mode. FIG. 4 The transverse cross-section of the crossbar clamp.

[0023] FIG. 12 This is a flowchart depicting the steps of an illustrative method for securing a rooftop tent to a crossbar of a vehicle, according to this teaching. Detailed description

[0024] Various aspects and examples of clamp assemblies for securing recreational equipment to a crossbar, along with related systems and methods, are described below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, clamp assemblies and / or their various components according to this teaching may, but are not required to, include at least one of the structures, components, functions, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or included herein. Furthermore, unless expressly excluded, process steps, structures, components, functions, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or included herein in conjunction with this teaching may be incorporated into other similar devices and methods, including interchangeability between the disclosed examples. The following description of the various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. Additionally, the advantages offered by the examples described below are illustrative in nature, and not all examples offer the same or the same degree of advantage.

[0025] This detailed description includes the following subsections immediately following: (1) Definition; (2) Overview; (3) Examples, Components and Alternatives; (4) Illustrative Combinations and Additional Examples; (5) Advantages, Features and Benefits; and (6) Conclusion. The Examples, Components and Alternatives subsection is further divided into subsections A and B, each with a corresponding label.

[0026] Definitions

[0027] The technical terms used in this disclosure have meanings commonly recognized by those skilled in the art. However, as described below, the following terms may have other meanings.

[0028] "Substantially" means substantially similar in a particular size, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that the feature or component does not need to be exactly the same, as long as the feature or component is suitable for its intended purpose or function. For example, an object that is "substantially cylindrical" means that the object is similar to a cylinder, but may deviate from a true cylinder by one or more margins.

[0029] The term "approximately"—when referring to measurable values ​​such as parameters, quantities, durations, etc.—encompasses variations of + / -10% or less, preferably + / -5% or less, more preferably + / -1% or less, and even more preferably + / -0.1% or less, provided such variations are suitable for implementation in this disclosure. It should be understood that the values ​​referred to by the modifier "approximately" are themselves specifically and preferably disclosed.

[0030] A "crossbar" is a long structural member used as a support, typically as one component in a pair. A crossbar mounted on the top of a vehicle such as a car may be referred to as a roof bracket, as a factory-installed component of the vehicle, or as aftermarket equipment installed by the driver. Crossbars can also be used as part of supports elsewhere on a vehicle, such as truck mounts or cargo box brackets, and / or can be mounted on other transport-related equipment such as trailers. Some recreational equipment, such as cargo storage containers, may include crossbar elements. Any long structural member constructed and / or having sufficient strength to support cargo or equipment and mounted to or otherwise associated with a vehicle can be covered by the term "crossbar" as used herein.

[0031] The directional language used herein should be understood in the context of a frame of reference (such as a vehicle). Devices and components can be described based on their position relative to a vehicle when mounted on or otherwise connected to it (even when not currently connected). This language may include, but is not limited to: inside – relative position in terms of direction and / or proximity to the centerline of the frame of reference; outside – relative position in terms of direction and / or distance from the centerline of the frame of reference.

[0032] The various structural components disclosed herein can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as metals, plastics, nylon, rubber, or any other material having sufficient structural strength to withstand loads generated during service. These materials can be selected based on their durability, flexibility, weight, and / or aesthetic qualities.

[0033] SUMMARY

[0034] Typically, a low-profile crossbar clamp assembly may include a guide rail and two or more clamping devices. Each clamping device may include a pair of jaws, comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, each jaw being configured to slide along the guide rail. The guide rail may be configured for securing to recreational equipment and / or cargo, such as rooftop tents, cargo boxes, bicycle racks, baskets, platforms, boat racks, camping showers, fishing rod holders, ski racks, awnings, or other such equipment.

[0035] The clamping assembly can be used to clamp onto any crossbar, including but not limited to vehicle roof crossbars, truck bed crossbars, trailer crossbars, and / or crossbars mounted on recreational equipment or brackets.

[0036] In some examples, the guide rail and / or other components of the assembly can be configured for use with specific recreational equipment and / or with crossbars of a specific size or shape. For example, the guide rail may have a total length corresponding to a specific cargo box model. In some examples, the guide rail and / or other components of the assembly can be configured for use with a wide variety of recreational equipment and / or a wide variety of crossbars. For example, the guide rail may have a total length greater than or equal to the standard size of a widely available cargo box, and the jaws of the clamping device may have a curved shape suitable for both circular and elliptical crossbars.

[0037] The guide rail can be configured for fastening to recreational equipment, can be incorporated into a piece of recreational equipment, and / or can be otherwise connected or secured to recreational equipment. For example, the guide rail may include at least one aperture in its upper surface to receive a portion of a fastener assembly. As another example, the guide rail may include reinforcing ribs in the bottom wall of a cargo box. As yet another example, the guide rail may be welded or glued to a tray of a bicycle rack.

[0038] Each clamping device, clamping subassembly, or pair of jaws may include at least a first fastener assembly and a second fastener assembly. The first and second fastener assemblies may be independently operable or lockable. The first fastener assembly may secure the first clamping jaw relative to a guide rail. The second fastener assembly may secure a crossbar between the first and second jaws.

[0039] The upper portion of each claw may engage a guide rail, but may not extend above the upper surface of the guide rail. Claws may be described as suspended on and / or mounted on the guide rail. In some examples, each claw may include a bracket or T-shaped structure extending into a T-slot in the guide rail. In some examples, each claw may include an edge or flange along opposite sides of the upper opening, extending over a side projection or shoulder of the guide rail.

[0040] In some examples, the first jaw can be connected to the guide rail by a vertical fastener, and the first and second jaws can be connected by a horizontal fastener. For example, the guide rail may have a T-slot on its underside, and the vertical fastener may be a T-bolt. The head of the T-bolt may be received in the slot of the guide rail, and the shaft of the bolt may extend through an orifice in the first jaw to engage a nut.

[0041] For example, the horizontal fastener can be a bolt extending through a corresponding hole in the lower portion of each claw to engage a nut. Rotation of the nut can be prevented, such that rotating the bolt in a first direction pulls the first and second clamping claws together, and rotating the bolt in a second direction pulls the first and second clamping claws apart. In some such cases, the lower portion of each claw can be sufficiently spaced from the upper portion to allow a crossbar clamped between the first and second claws to be received between a guide rail and the horizontal fastener. That is, when the clamping assembly clamps the crossbar, the guide rail can extend above the crossbar, and the horizontal fastener can extend below the crossbar.

[0042] The inner surface of each claw can be configured to contact and clamp the crossbar. For example, the inner surface can be angled and / or curved to apply an upward clamping force. As another example, the inner surface can be shaped to engage a specific crossbar shape and / or a variety of other shapes. As yet another example, the inner surface can be padded and / or include gripping material to increase the contact surface area and improve frictional clamping, and / or prevent damage to the crossbar.

[0043] Users can clamp the equipment onto the crossbar using the clamping assemblies by first securing the guide rail to the equipment. Then, the user can slide the first and second jaws of each clamping device together along the guide rail to a position roughly corresponding to the desired position of the crossbar relative to the equipment, allowing the jaws to separate wide enough to receive the crossbar. Depending on the size and shape of the equipment, the user may use two or more clamping assemblies, securing and preparing each assembly in a similar manner.

[0044] The user can raise the equipment into position and / or set it on the crossbars, wherein the guide rail of each clamping assembly spans between at least two crossbars, and each contact point between the guide rail and the crossbars is located between the first and second jaws of the clamping device. The user can then slide the first and second jaws of each clamping device near the corresponding crossbar.

[0045] The first fastener assembly can be used to secure the position of the first claw. Once the correct position is determined, the user can then use the second fastener assembly to pull the second claw toward the first claw and close the clamp around the crossbar. In an example where the second fastener assembly includes a fastener extending below the crossbar, this fastener can be inserted after the equipment is placed on the crossbar.

[0046] Tools that allow tightening / loosening of the fastener assembly can be accessed from below the clamping assembly. Preferably, both tools can be accessed from the outside of the first clamping jaw. For this purpose, the positions of the first and second jaws can be mirrored between the clamping devices of the clamping assembly. The fastener assembly can be configured to allow the use of standard tools, such as hex wrenches or screwdrivers, and / or manual actuation.

[0047] Examples, Components, and Alternatives

[0048] The following sections describe selected aspects of exemplary fixtures and related systems and / or methods. The examples in these sections are intended for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the entire scope of this disclosure. Each section may include one or more different examples, and / or contextual or related information, functionality, and / or structure.

[0049] A. Illustrative Roof Top Tent Crossbar Clamp System

[0050] like FIGS. 1-11 As shown, this section describes an illustrative rooftop tent assembly 100 comprising a pair of clamp assemblies 103. As described above, each assembly 103 is an example of a low-profile crossbar clamp assembly.

[0051] FIG. 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle 101 with a roof support. In this example, the vehicle is a four-door sedan with a roof support. The sedan includes a pair of roof rails 108, to which a pair of crossbars 106 are mounted using towers. In some examples, the vehicle may be a truck with a bed rack, a trailer towing a trailer with mounted crossbars, a cargo basket with an upper crossbar on the roof, and / or any useful configuration of a vehicle with crossbars.

[0052] The vehicle 101 has a direction of travel 105, which can be understood based on the vehicle's construction even when the vehicle is stationary. The following description can be made with reference to the direction of travel of the vehicle and its relative position as inside or outside in the vehicle's frame of reference.

[0053] A crossbar 106 is mounted laterally across the roof of the vehicle 101. The crossbar can be described as having an extension oriented across the vehicle and / or perpendicular to the direction of travel 105. For many users, the crossbar 106 may be accessible only at each outer end from either side of the vehicle 101. In such a location, a user of the vehicle roof support can also be described as approaching the crossbar 106 from below and / or approaching anything attached to the crossbar.

[0054] exist FIG. 2 In the image, vehicle 101 is shown as having a rooftop tent system 100 mounted to a roof support in an unfolded configuration. The system is mounted to vehicle 101 via a pair of clamp assemblies, as further described below. The tent also has a stowed configuration, such as... FIG. 3 As shown. From FIG. 2As can be seen, the tent system covers the upper side of the roof support, and the fixing clamps can only be accessed from below.

[0055] The tent system can be described as a platform structure with supporting tent sections. The overhanging area of ​​the tent may be partially supported by ladders, but primary support for the tent and any occupants can be provided by crossbars connected to the roof supports by clamp assemblies. In addition to forces generated by the vehicle's movement during transport when the tent system is in its stowed configuration, the clamp assembly may also need to resist forces associated with the movement of the occupants within the tent. Therefore, forces on the clamp assembly can occur in both directions parallel and perpendicular to the crossbars and / or in both directions parallel and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle 101.

[0056] FIG. 3 An inverted tent system 100 in a stowed configuration is shown, with the platform structure at the top. Two clamping assemblies 103 are fastened to the underside 107 of the platform. Each clamping assembly includes a guide rail 104 and two clamps 102. The guide rail may also be referred to as a track and / or extruded rod, and the clamps may also be referred to as clamping devices, clamping subassemblies, and / or crossbar fixing subassemblies.

[0057] Each clamp includes an outer jaw 110 and an inner jaw 112. One of the guide rails 104 and one of the clamps 102 are described below. FIGS. 4-11 As shown in the diagram. The four clamps and two guide rails can each be substantially similar, and the following description can be understood to apply similarly to all clamps and guide rails.

[0058] In some examples, tent assembly 100 may include three or more rails, and each rail may include three, four, or any effective number of clamps. Clamps 102 may be used to secure tent assembly 100 to the roof of a vehicle, truck bed, trailer, and / or any suitable load-bearing crossbar.

[0059] FIG. 4 This is a perspective view of one of the clamps 102 fixed to one of the crossbars 106 and to one of the guide rails 104. For simplicity, only a portion of the crossbars and guide rails is depicted. The clamp is actuated by a horizontal fastener assembly 113 and a vertical fastener assembly 129. The outer claw 110 and inner claw 112 of the clamp are connected only via the guide rail 104 and the horizontal fastener assembly 113.

[0060] The guide rail 104 can be described as having a flat top surface or a raised flat upper surface 116. A plurality of holes 118 extend through the flat upper surface. To secure the guide rail to the rooftop tent, bolts (not shown) extend downwards through the bottom of the tent, through the holes 118, as shown in the reference below. FIGS. 10-11 Further description.

[0061] The guide rail 104 can also be described as having a side recess, wing portion, lower section, lateral flange, or shoulder 122 extending the length of the guide rail on each side. Alternatively, the shoulder 122 can be referred to as a single lower portion of the guide rail, and the upper surface 116 can be described as the top wall of the upper portion of the guide rail.

[0062] The outer claw 110 and the inner claw 112 each include a body portion 145 and a clamping portion 146. The body portion can be described as including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion defining a channel 123 for engaging the guide rail 104, and the lower portion being configured to cooperatively engage the crossbar 106. The lower portion has a curved inner side to form an angled contact surface.

[0063] The claws 110 and 112 can also be described as claw portions, claw members, cooperating clamping members, and / or side portions of the clamp 102, together defining a space for partially enclosing the crossbar 106. The defined space may have a width that decreases as the space extends downward from the guide rail 104. The channel 123 of each claw can be described as an opposing U-shaped groove.

[0064] The upper portion of each claw 110, 112 includes an edge or inwardly extending lip or flange 124 to engage the lower shoulder 122 of the guide rail. The flange 124 of each claw is slightly lower than the upper surface 116 of the guide rail 104. The upper surface 116 and / or the upper portion of the guide rail may also be described as being higher than the claws 110, 112, and the flange may be described as defining or restricting an upper opening in the channel 123.

[0065] In this example, flange 124 is located at the top of claws 110, 112. The flange 124 of each claw, or any other uppermost portion, may be sufficiently lower than the upper surface 116 such that when the clamp assembly 102 is mounted on the tent assembly 100, claws 110, 112 do not contact the tent base and thus remain slidable along the guide rail 104. Typically, no portion of claws 110, 112 may protrude upwards beyond the upper surface 116 to avoid interference between the claws and the equipment secured to the guide rail.

[0066] The clamp 102 can be actuated via the horizontal fastener assembly 113 and the vertical fastener assembly 129 by approaching from the outside or outside of the outer claw 110. In this example, the horizontally extending fastener assembly 113 includes a bolt 114 having a head projecting from the outer claw. FIG. 4In the middle, the head of bolt 114 is covered by locking mechanism 126, which can be installed when the clamp is in use. The knurled cap nut 128 of the vertical fastener assembly 129 is also accessible at the outer claw 110. The cap nut can be used to tighten or loosen the vertical bolt to secure the outer claw 110 to the guide rail 104, as shown below. FIGS. 7-8 Further discussion is needed.

[0067] As in FIG. 4 As can be seen, both nut 128 and bolt 114 can be accessed from below guide rail 104. That is, even when guide rail 104 is fastened to tent assembly 100 and clamp 102 is clamped to crossbar 106, the user can still easily access both actuators. Sufficient clearance allows the user to manually turn nut 128 or bolt 114, or to do so using a tool. In fact, in the example where crossbar 106 is part of the vehicle's roof support, a user standing next to the vehicle can still easily access and actuate the clamps.

[0068] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 The clamp 102 is depicted in two installation stages on the crossbar 106. FIG. 5 In this configuration, guide rail 104 and any attached equipment are resting on crossbar 106. Claws 110 and 112 remain freely sliding on the guide rail, and the user can slide claws 110 and 112 to positions very close to the crossbar, as indicated by the arrows. Claws can be described as suspended from the shoulder of guide rail 104 via flange 124, slidably receiving guide rail 104 in a channel in the upper portion of each claw, and / or capable of sliding along the shoulder of the guide rail.

[0069] In the depicted example, each claw is suspended by a flange 124 of the body portion 145 and a central bracket 125. The central bracket can be described as extending upward into the channel 123, dividing the channel, and / or engaging the longitudinal slot 138 of the guide rail 104. In this example, the bracket 125 is generally T-shaped.

[0070] Once the outer claw 110 has slid into contact with the crossbar 106, the user can tighten the vertical fastener assembly 129 to secure the outer claw in place. The cap nut 128 includes knurling 164 for manual turning and hex tooling 166 for using a wrench. Rotating the nut also engages the bolt of the vertical fastener with the slot 138, as discussed further below.

[0071] The vertical fastener assembly can be described as a pre-clamping device, a positioning screw, or a longitudinal clamp. Fixing the outer claw 110 relative to the guide rail 104 allows the clamp 102 to resist forces perpendicular to the crossbar 106 and parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel. For example, sudden braking of the vehicle in an emergency stop can exert a significant force in the direction of travel. The contact between the crossbar 106 and the guide rail 104 may be insufficient to prevent the clamp 102 from slipping relative to the guide rail, causing a load (such as a roof tent on top of the vehicle) to move forward. The vertical fastener assembly can be configured to hold the outer claw 110 and the clamp 102 in place relative to the guide rail 104 even under traffic accident conditions to ensure road safety.

[0072] exist FIG. 6 In the middle, the outer claw 110 has been secured in place, and the bolt 114 of the horizontal fastener assembly 113 has been inserted through the two claws 110 and 112. Rotating the bolt can pull the inner claw 112 toward the crossbar 106, as discussed further below. The user can use a hex wrench to apply appropriate clamping force to the crossbar 106 between the claws 110 and 112 through the tool action 166.

[0073] Once the inner claw 112 has been clamped onto the crossbar 106, the locking element 126 can be installed on the head of the bolt 114 to prevent access to the bolt and to prevent theft or unwanted interference with the clamp or rooftop tent. An end cap 136 can also be installed on the threaded end of the bolt 114 to protect the bolt from damage.

[0074] As described above, both fastener assemblies are accessible from the outside of the outer claw 110. More specifically, the heads of the nut 128 and bolt 114 are located in cavities or cutouts 150 within the body portion 145 of the outer claw. Thus, the fastener assemblies are not only accessible but also protected and cleverly concealed within the body of the claw.

[0075] FIGS. 7-9 Along in a plane parallel to guide rail 104 FIG. 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the clamp 102 in various modes, taken from line AA. The clamp 102 can be described as having a fixed mode and an unfixed mode, and a clamping mode and an unclamped mode. FIG. 7 In the current configuration, clamp 102 is neither fixed nor clamped. In this unfixed mode, T-bolt 140 is not tightened onto guide rail 104 by nut 128, and the bolt can move freely along slot 138. Therefore, claws 110 and 112 can also move freely along guide rail 104, as indicated by the arrows. With bolt 114 installed, the claws can move together along the guide rail. With bolt 114 removed, the claws can move independently relative to the guide rail.

[0076] existFIG. 8 In the middle, clamp 102 is fixed but not clamped. In the fixed mode, T-bolt 140 is tightened onto guide rail 104 by nut 128, as shown below. FIGS. 10-11 Further description. Thus, the first claw 110 is fixed relative to the guide rail 104. However, the inner claw 112 remains capable of sliding along the guide rail 104. With the bolt 114 installed, the bolt can be used to move the inner claw 112 toward or away from the outer claw 110, as indicated by the arrow. With the bolt 114 removed, the inner claw 112 can move freely relative to the guide rail 104.

[0077] exist FIG. 9 In this configuration, clamp 102 is fixed and secured. Crossbar 106 is received between outer claw 110 and inner claw 112, and also between guide rail 104 and bolt 114. Bolt 114 has been tightened so that claws 110 and 112 are in contact with crossbar on either side, clamping crossbar between the claws.

[0078] The outer claw 110 and the inner claw 112 are largely symmetrical, but mirror images. In this example, the body portion 145 of each claw 110, 112 is made of injection-molded plastic, and the clamping portion 146 is made of a high-friction compressible material such as silicone rubber. The clamping portion covers the curved inner side of each claw opposite the cutout 150.

[0079] The fastener features and hanger bracket 125 differ between the outer and inner claws. On the inner claw 112, the hanger bracket extends the entire length of the channel in the upper portion. The hanger bracket 125 of the outer claw 110 has two shorter sections to allow space for the T-bolt 140 engagement slot 138 of the vertical fastener assembly.

[0080] The slot 138 opens toward the lower surface or lower side 117 of the guide rail 104. The slot may also be referred to as an internal track, a T-slot, or a channel. In this example, the slot 138 is centered within the guide rail 104. (See reference...) FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 Further described, the slot 138 has an upper portion 152, an intermediate space 156, and a limiting opening 154. The hanger bracket 125 of each claw extends through the limiting opening 154 into the intermediate space 156.

[0081] Bolt 140 extends downward from the intermediate space 156 of slot 138 through the limiting opening 154. The head of the bolt is held in the intermediate space 156, and the bolt shaft extends through the corresponding hole 144 in the rectangular washer plate 142, which is located just below the guide rail, and the outer claw 110. Cap nut 128 engages the distal end of bolt 140. The upper boss portion 162 of nut 128 extends upward into the hole 144, close to washer plate 142.

[0082] Fastener holes 118 in the upper surface 116 extend into the upper portion 152. A plurality of square nuts 120 are held in the upper portion 152, wherein each hole 118 is aligned with a square nut.

[0083] like FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 As shown, when bolt 114 is inserted through claws 110 and 112, the bolt head 130 is positioned on the outer side of the outer claw 110. FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 As shown, the outer claw 110 includes a shallow annular recess 131 to receive a portion of the head 130. The recess 131 can fit snugly to the head 130 to properly position the bolt 114. FIG. 9 In the middle, the head 130 is received in the locking member 126, which engages the distal flange portion 135 of the head.

[0084] The shaft of bolt 114 extends from head 130 through a corresponding alignment orifice 132 in each of the outer claw 110 and inner claw 112. The orifice 132 of the inner claw 112 has a tapered inlet 133 formed in the clamping portion 146 to allow easy insertion of bolt 114 by the user. In this example, the clamping portion 146 of the outer claw 110 may be substantially the same as the clamping portion of the inner claw 112 to allow for the manufacture of single-piece components.

[0085] The threaded end 137 of the bolt 114 extends through the bore 132 of the inner claw 112 into the square cavity 147 to engage the square nut 134. The cavity is tightly fitted to the nut such that when the threaded end 137 rotates, the nut 134 does not rotate in response, but advances along the thread. The bolt 114 can be described as defining an axis of rotation, wherein rotation of the bolt about the axis causes the inner claw to translate along the axis, while the outer claw remains fixed along the axis.

[0086] like FIG. 7 As shown, nut 134 is held in cavity 147 by snap-fit ​​feature 148. In this example, feature 148 is a unidirectional, directionally deformable tab. Typically, any effective retaining device can be used.

[0087] Nut 134 can move along the thread of end portion 137 in a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of bolt 114. When the bolt is tightened, the nut can advance toward the head 130 of the bolt and abut against the inner wall of cavity 147 to move the inner claw 112 toward the outer claw 110. When the bolt is loosened, the nut can instead retract from the head 130 and abut against snap-fit ​​feature 148 to move the inner claw 112 away from the outer claw 110. That is, rotating bolt 114 by head 130 can result in a push of inner claw 112 toward or away from outer claw 110, rather than rotation or axial movement of nut 134.

[0088] In this example, nut 134 is square. Typically, nuts can have any shape suitable for resisting rotation, including but not limited to hexagons, and cavity 147 can be shaped accordingly.

[0089] The gripping portions 146 of the claws 110 and 112 abut against the crossbar 106. The gripping portions or inner contact surfaces of the claws are angled, causing the claws to apply a clamping force to the crossbar at a certain angle. Therefore, the force acts laterally inward on the crossbar, but also upward. The crossbar 106 is clamped against the lower side 117 of the guide rail 104 by the claws 110 and 112. Therefore, the claws 110 and 112, the crossbar 106, and the guide rail 104 are all fixed in a suitable position relative to each other. Relative movement along the lateral, transverse, or vertical axes is not permitted.

[0090] Clamp 102 can also be unsecured but clamped. In this configuration, nut 128 can be loosened to allow the T-bolt to slide relative to slot 138. However, the outer claw 110 can be held fixed relative to guide rail 104 by contact between crossbar 106 and guide rail. Claws 110 and 112 can both be secured along guide rail 104 by clamping crossbar 106 between the claws.

[0091] FIGS. 10-11 This is a cross-sectional view of the clamp 102 taken along a plane parallel to the crossbar 106. As shown, the guide rail 104 has a generally hat-shaped cross-section. The guide rail can also be described as having a uniform wall thickness, defining the intermediate space 156 of the groove 138 and the upper portion 152. The nut 120 is received in the upper portion.

[0092] The flange 124 of the outer claw 110 extends over the lower portion of the guide rail, thereby retaining the guide rail within the upper portion of the claw. A washer 142 is clamped between the guide rail 104 and the bottom inner surface of the upper portion of the outer claw 110. The washer is rectangular and sized to approximately match the width of the guide rail 104. The center aperture of the washer is aligned with the aperture 144 of the outer claw.

[0093] The T-bolt 140 has a flat, rectangular head 139 that is engaged in a slot 138, with a threaded shaft 143 extending downward through a limiting opening 154. The shape of the head 139 prevents rotation of the bolt 140, allowing the tightening of the nut 128 to pull the nut and head 139 toward each other. The shaft 143 of the bolt 140 can be described as defining an axis of rotation, such that rotation of the nut 128 about this axis causes the bolt head 139 to come into frictional contact with the inner surface 160 of the slot 138.

[0094] In this example, the T-bolt 140 includes an O-ring 158 surrounding the bolt just below the head, which helps center the bolt in the slot 138 while maintaining ease and tolerance for tightening the nut 128 upwards into the hole 144 without being constricted. Also in this example, the bolt head includes two downward-projecting ridges or linear teeth 141. The bolt may alternatively include textures on the bottom surface and / or any features suitable for frictionally engaging the inner surface 160 of the groove 138. Similarly, the washer 142 may include any features suitable for engaging the outer surface of the guide rail 104.

[0095] The upper boss portion 162 of the nut 128 is sized to be received within the orifice 144. When the nut is tightened, the boss portion can be pulled upward through the orifice 144 to abut against the washer 142, which in turn can be extruded to form the lower side 117 of the guide rail. Therefore, the guide rail can be clamped between the bolt 140 and the washer 142 for significant frictional clamping. Below the boss portion, the diameter of the nut 128 increases so that no more nuts can be received within the orifice 144. Therefore, the nut 128 can limit tightening and prevent damage to the guide rail 104 due to overtightening of the bolt 140.

[0096] In this example, the lower portion of the nut 128 includes an external knurling 164 for manual tightening of the nut and an internal hexagonal tool action 166 for use with a hex wrench. In some examples, the nut may include an external tool action for use with a socket wrench and / or any tool that is easily actuated by the user of the clamp 102.

[0097] exist FIG. 10 In this configuration, clamp 102 is in an unsecured state. As described above, T-bolt 140 moves freely along groove 138. FIG. 11 In the middle, clamp 102 is in a fixed position. Nut 128 is tightened to contact washer 142. T-bolt 140 is tightened to contact groove 138 downwards. Guide rail 104 is clamped between T-bolt 140 and washer 142.

[0098] B. Illustrative Methods

[0099] This section describes the steps of an illustrative method 200 for securing a rooftop tent to a vehicle using crossbars; see also FIG. 12 The aspects of the above-described fixture assembly can be used in the method steps described below. Where appropriate, references are made to the components and systems that can be used to perform each step. These references are illustrative and not intended to limit the possible ways in which any particular step of the method can be performed.

[0100] FIG. 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed in an exemplary method, and may not list the complete process or all steps of the method. Although various steps of method 200 are described below and in... FIG. 12 The steps are described, but not all of them need to be performed, and in some cases they can be performed simultaneously or in a different order than that shown.

[0101] At step 202, the method may include attaching the clamp assembly to the recreational equipment. Sub-step 204 includes suspending a pair of clamps on each of a pair of rails. For example, the lower shoulder portion of each rail may slide into a channel in the upper portion of the claw of each clamp. In some examples, the user may attach other components, such as end caps, to the rails. Sub-step 206 includes securing each rail to the underside of the equipment. For example, the user may insert a bolt through the platform of a rooftop tent into a hole in the rail to engage a square nut accommodated in the rail.

[0102] In some examples, the user can then slide the jaws of each clamp along the guide rail to a position that roughly corresponds to the intended position of the crossbar relative to the equipment. The user can remove any horizontal fasteners that obstruct the reception of the crossbar and then slide the clamp jaws wide enough to receive the crossbar.

[0103] Step 208 involves lifting the equipment onto a pair of crossbars. For example, a user may request assistance lifting a rooftop tent onto the crossbars of the roof rack of their vehicle. Substeps 210-212 may be performed when the equipment is lowered into place and / or positioned on the crossbars. A rooftop tent with attached clamping assemblies may be positioned such that each crossbar is located between the first and second claws of one of the clamps, and each rail spans both crossbars.

[0104] At step 214, method 200 includes securing each clamp in place, or positioning the clamp and changing the clamp into a fixed mode or configuration. This securing step can fix the clamp to resist longitudinal movement, i.e., movement parallel to the guide rail, perpendicular to the crossbar, and / or parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0105] Substeps 216-222 can be repeated for each fixture. Substep 216 includes sliding the first jaw along the guide rail. In some examples, sliding the first jaw may include a bracket that allows the guide rail to slide in the jaw's channel, a jaw flange that slides along the shoulder of the guide rail, a jaw that slides along the flange of the guide rail, and / or a jaw that slides along the T-slot of the guide rail.

[0106] Sub-step 218 includes tightening the first fastener assembly. In some examples, the first fastener assembly may include a vertically extending bolt and nut. For such examples, sub-steps 220-222 may be used.

[0107] Sub-step 220 includes tightening the nut. The nut can be approached from the outside or outside of the first claw and can be tightened by hand and / or by using a tool. The nut can rotate about an axis of rotation defined by the bolt, wherein this axis is perpendicular to the long axis of the guide rail. The vertically extending bolt can prevent rotation, for example, by contacting a square head in a linear groove in the guide rail. Thus, tightening the nut can force the bolt head into frictional contact with the inner surface of the groove in the guide rail, as in sub-step 222.

[0108] Additional elements of the first fastener assembly can facilitate these steps. For example, the assembly may include washers to increase frictional contact with the guide rail and / or a deformable ring around the shaft of the bolt to center the assembly without sticking.

[0109] In examples with different fastener assemblies, sub-step 218 can be performed according to the details of the assembly. In such an example, tightening the first fastener assembly may include bringing at least one fastener into frictional contact with the guide rail by rotating the fastener or another engaged fastener.

[0110] At step 224, the method includes securing each clamp to the crossbar already clamped in the middle, clamping the jaws of the clamp around the crossbar, and / or switching the clamp to a clamping mode. This securing step can fix the clamp to resist lateral movement, i.e., movement perpendicular to the guide rail, parallel to the crossbar, and / or perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Substeps 226-230 can be repeated for each clamp.

[0111] Sub-step 226 includes tightening the second fastener assembly. In some examples, the second fastener assembly may include a bolt extending horizontally from the first claw to the second claw below the crossbar and a nut in the second claw. For such examples, sub-steps 228-230 may be used.

[0112] Sub-step 228 includes inserting a bolt through the first and second jaws. The bolt may be held to one side until step 228 so that it does not obstruct the reception of the crossbar between the first and second jaws of the clamp. With the crossbar in place, the bolt may be inserted below the crossbar through an alignment hole in the jaw, wherein the head of the bolt is accessible on the same outer side of the first jaw as the nut of the first fastener assembly.

[0113] Sub-step 230 includes rotating a horizontal bolt to pull a second claw toward the first claw. The bolt may extend parallel to the guide rail between the claws. The bolt may also be described as defining a horizontal axis of rotation parallel to the guide rail.

[0114] The bolt can be threaded into a nut component captured in the second claw. For example, the nut can be captured by a deformable tab or snap-fit ​​feature. The nut can be shaped to prevent rotation by contacting the second claw, such that rotation of the bolt pulls the nut upwards along the threads and pulls the second claw along the guide toward the first claw. This step can be described as closing the claw around the crossbar.

[0115] In examples with different fastener assemblies, sub-step 226 can be performed according to the details of that assembly. In such an example, tightening the second fastener assembly may include driving one of the claws toward the other to clamp the guide rail to the crossbar. As in step 210, the driven claw may slide along the guide rail.

[0116] The tool actuation portions that allow tightening / loosening of the first and second fastener assemblies can be accessed from below each clamp. Preferably, both tool actuation portions can be accessed from the outside of the first clamp jaws. The positioning of the fasteners and the tool actuation portions allows the user to easily access, clamp, and loosen or adjust the clamp assemblies when the guide rail is secured to the equipment and the clamps are on the crossbar. The user can use standard tools, such as hex wrenches or screwdrivers, and / or manually actuate one or both of the fasteners.

[0117] At step 232, the method includes transporting equipment. For example, using a vehicle while a rooftop tent or other equipment is secured to a roof support crossbar. In some examples, the user may also use the device in some way without removing the equipment from the roof support. For example, a user may deploy a tent overnight. In another example, a user may open a secure cargo box to access stored goods.

[0118] To temporarily remove the equipment from the crossbar and then reinstall it, the user can proceed to steps 234-250. To permanently remove the equipment, the user can simply proceed to steps 234-242.

[0119] At step 234, the method includes releasing each clamp. This step can be described as the reverse of steps 224-230. Specifically, sub-step 240 includes loosening the second fastener assembly. Similar to sub-step 226, sub-step 240 can be performed depending on the specific fastener assembly. For the aforementioned horizontal fastener assembly, sub-steps 236 and 238 include rotating the bolt to push the second claw away from the first claw and removing the bolt. This allows the claws to release the crossbar and leaves a clear path for the crossbar to be removed between the claws.

[0120] In some examples, the horizontal fastener can be configured to remain mounted in the first and second clamping jaws. In such examples, the free end of the crossbar can be inserted between the fastener and the guide rail, or some other element can be moved and / or removed to allow the crossbar to be received between the fastener and the guide rail.

[0121] Step 242 involves removing the equipment from the crossbar. For example, a user can lift a rooftop tent from a rooftop bracket. As in sub-step 244, the vertical fasteners can remain engaged to simplify reinstallation. That is, the first fastener assembly can remain engaged, or any clamps can transition to an unsecured mode. More specifically, the first clamping claws can be held in the correct position so that the equipment can be easily placed on the crossbar and the clamps can be re-engaged without having to repeat the process of correctly positioning the clamps and / or equipment relative to the crossbar.

[0122] Step 246 involves storing the equipment. For example, the user can store the rooftop tent in a garage or other storage location, with each clamp still secured in place. Step 248 can be performed similarly to step 208, and step 250 can be performed similarly to step 224. That is, the user can reinstall the equipment on the crossbar in the same way as when it was initially installed, but does not need to perform steps 202-206 or 214-222 again.

[0123] Illustrative Combinations and Additional Examples

[0124] This section describes additional aspects and features of the fixture assembly, which are presented non-limitingly as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be denoted by alphanumeric characters for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other paragraphs and / or with the disclosure of other parts of this application (including material incorporated by reference in cross-references). Some of the following paragraphs explicitly refer to and further limit the others, thus providing examples of some suitable combinations without limitation.

[0125] A0. A horizontal bar clamp for recreational equipment, comprising:

[0126] A guide rail, which includes a longitudinal groove;

[0127] The first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw, each clamping jaw being able to slide along the guide rail;

[0128] A vertical fastener having a head portion located in a longitudinal groove in the guide rail, and the vertical fastener extending through an orifice in the first clamping jaw; and

[0129] A horizontal fastener extends through corresponding openings in the lower portions of the first clamping jaw and the lower portions of the second clamping jaw, wherein the clamp is configured to receive a crossbar above the horizontal fastener.

[0130] The tightening of the vertical fastener fixes the first clamping jaw relative to the guide rail, and the tightening of the horizontal fastener pulls the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw together to clamp the crossbar between the jaws.

[0131] A1. The clamp according to exercise A0, wherein each claw includes an angled contact surface such that clamping the crossbar between the claws also clamps the crossbar against the lower surface of the guide rail.

[0132] A2. The clamp according to paragraph A1, wherein the crossbar is clamped between the jaws of the clamp and abuts against the lower surface of the guide rail so that the position of the crossbar is fixed relative to the guide rail in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0133] A3. The clamp according to paragraph A0 or A1, wherein each claw includes an upper groove for receiving a guide rail.

[0134] A4. The fixture according to any one of paragraphs A0-A3, wherein the longitudinal groove of the guide rail is a T-slot and the vertical fastener is a T-bolt.

[0135] A5. The clamp according to paragraph A4, wherein the threaded end of the T-bolt is received in a nut having a hexagonal wrench tool actuation portion.

[0136] A6. The clamp as described in paragraph A5, wherein the nut can be accessed from below the clamp.

[0137] A7. The fixture according to any one of paragraphs A0-A6 further includes a rectangular washer plate clamped between the guide rail and the first clamping jaw, and a vertically extending fastener extending through the washer plate.

[0138] A8. The clamp according to any one of paragraphs A0-A7, wherein the horizontal fastener has a head portion on the outside of the first jaw, and the horizontal fastener engages a rectangular nut located on the outside of the second clamp jaw.

[0139] A9. The clamp according to any one of paragraphs A0-A8 further includes a locking element covering the head portion of the horizontal fastener.

[0140] A10. The clamp according to any one of paragraphs A0-A9, wherein the guide rail includes a plurality of orifices configured to secure the guide rail to leisure equipment.

[0141] A11. The clamp according to paragraph A10, wherein the upper surface of the guide rail is higher than each of the first jaw and the second clamping jaw.

[0142] A12. The clamp according to any one of paragraphs A0-A11, wherein the horizontal fastener is accessible from below the clamp.

[0143] B0. A method for securing recreational equipment to a crossbar, comprising:

[0144] Secure the guide rail to the bottom of the leisure equipment;

[0145] Slide the first and second clamping jaws along the guide rail to their approximate positions;

[0146] Raise the leisure equipment to the appropriate position on the top of the crossbar;

[0147] Slide the first clamping jaw to the position against the crossbar;

[0148] Tighten the vertical fasteners to secure the first clamping jaw relative to the guide rail;

[0149] Insert the horizontal fastener into the alignment hole in the first and second clamping jaws below the crossbar; and

[0150] Tighten the horizontal fasteners to pull the second clamp toward the first clamp, thereby clamping the crossbar.

[0151] B1. The method described in paragraph B0 further includes removing and storing recreational equipment by means of the following steps:

[0152] Loosen the horizontal fasteners to release the crossbar;

[0153] Remove horizontal fasteners; and

[0154] Fix the first clamping jaw relative to the guide rail.

[0155] B2. The method described in paragraph B1 further includes reinstalling the stored recreational equipment by the following steps:

[0156] Fix the first clamping jaw relative to the guide rail;

[0157] Raise the leisure equipment to the appropriate position on the top of the crossbar;

[0158] Tighten the vertical fasteners to secure the first clamping jaw relative to the guide rail;

[0159] Insert the horizontal fastener into the alignment hole passing through the first and second clamping jaws below the crossbar;

[0160] Tighten the horizontal fasteners to pull the second clamp toward the first clamp, thereby clamping the crossbar.

[0161] C0. A rooftop tent, comprising:

[0162] Base platform;

[0163] The retractable tent section is fixed to the upper side of the base platform;

[0164] A pair of guide rails are fixed to the underside of the base platform;

[0165] At least one crossbar clamp on each of a pair of guide rails, each clamp comprising:

[0166] - A first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw, each clamping jaw being able to slide along a guide rail; and

[0167] - A horizontal fastener that extends through corresponding openings in the lower portions of the first clamping jaw and the lower portions of the second clamping jaw, wherein the clamp is configured to receive a crossbar above the horizontal fastener.

[0168] C1. The rooftop tent according to paragraph C0, wherein each clamp further includes a vertical fastener that extends through an orifice in the first clamp claw to engage a corresponding guide rail.

[0169] C2. The rooftop tent according to paragraph C1, wherein tightening of the vertical fastener fixes the first clamping claw relative to the guide rail, and tightening of the horizontal fastener pulls the first clamping claw and the second clamping claw together to clamp the crossbar.

[0170] D0. A crossbar clamp assembly, comprising:

[0171] A guide rail, which includes a longitudinal groove;

[0172] The first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw, each clamping jaw is suspended on the guide rail and can slide along the guide rail;

[0173] A vertical fastener assembly comprising a bolt having a head portion located in a longitudinal groove in a guide rail, and the bolt extending through a first clamping jaw; and

[0174] A horizontal fastener assembly that extends through the lower portion of each of the first and second clamping jaws, wherein a crossbar clamping assembly is configured to receive a crossbar above the horizontal fastener assembly.

[0175] The tightening of the vertical fastener assembly fixes the first clamping jaw relative to the guide rail, and the tightening of the horizontal fastener assembly pulls the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw together to clamp the received crossbar between the clamping jaws.

[0176] D1. The crossbar clamp assembly as described in paragraph D0, wherein tightening the vertical fastener assembly and the horizontal fastener assembly fixes the position of the crossbar relative to the guide rail in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0177] D2. The crossbar clamp assembly according to paragraph D0 or D1, wherein the vertical fastener assembly is accessible at the outside of the first clamping jaw.

[0178] D3. The crossbar clamp assembly as described in paragraph D2, wherein the horizontal fastener assembly is accessible at the outside of the first clamping jaw.

[0179] D4. The crossbar clamp assembly according to any one of paragraphs D0-D3, wherein each claw includes an upper T-slot to receive a lower portion of the guide rail.

[0180] D5. The crossbar clamp assembly according to any one of paragraphs D0-D4, wherein the longitudinal groove of the guide rail is a T-slot, and the vertical fastener assembly includes a T-bolt.

[0181] D6. The crossbar clamp assembly as described in paragraph D5, wherein the vertical fastener assembly further includes a nut that engages the threaded end of the T-bolt.

[0182] D7. The crossbar clamp assembly as described in paragraph D6, wherein the nut is disposed on the outside of the first clamping jaw.

[0183] D8. The crossbar clamp assembly according to paragraph D6 or D7, wherein the vertical fastener assembly further includes a rectangular washer plate clamped between the guide rail and the first clamping jaw, and a T-bolt extending through the washer plate.

[0184] D9. The crossbar clamp assembly according to any one of paragraphs D0-D8, wherein the horizontal fastener assembly includes a bolt and a rectangular nut on the outside of the second clamping jaw, the bolt having a head portion on the outside of the first clamping jaw.

[0185] D10. The crossbar clamp assembly as described in paragraph D9 further includes a locking element that covers the head portion of the bolt.

[0186] D11. The crossbar clamp assembly according to any one of paragraphs D0-D10, wherein the upper surface of the guide rail includes a plurality of orifices configured for fastening the guide rail to recreational equipment.

[0187] D12. The crossbar clamp assembly as described in paragraph D11, wherein the upper surface of the guide rail is higher than each of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw.

[0188] D13. The crossbar clamping assembly according to any one of paragraphs D0-D12, wherein each clamping jaw includes an angled contact surface such that clamping the crossbar between the clamping jaws also clamps the crossbar against the lower surface of the guide rail.

[0189] E0. A clamp assembly for securing recreational equipment to a crossbar, comprising:

[0190] A guide rail that is fastened to leisure equipment and includes longitudinal grooves;

[0191] The first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw, each clamping jaw is suspended on the lower part of the guide rail and can slide along the lower part of the guide rail;

[0192] A first fastener assembly extends through a first clamping jaw into a longitudinal slot in the guide rail; and

[0193] A second fastener assembly extends through the lower portion of the first clamping jaw and the lower portion of the second clamping jaw;

[0194] Tightening the first fastener assembly fixes the first clamping jaw relative to the guide rail, and tightening the second fastener assembly pulls the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw together to clamp the crossbar between the clamping jaws.

[0195] E1. The clamping assembly according to paragraph E0, wherein the longitudinal groove is a central T-shaped groove provided in the lower surface of the guide rail.

[0196] E2. The clamp assembly according to paragraph E0 or E1, wherein the guide rail has a flat upper surface that contacts the lower side of the leisure equipment, and the uppermost portion of each of the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw is located below the flat upper surface.

[0197] E3. The clamping assembly according to any one of paragraphs E0-E2, wherein the first fastener assembly and the second fastener assembly are each accessible from below and on one side of the clamping assembly.

[0198] F0. A device for attaching cargo to a crossbar mounted on top of a vehicle, comprising:

[0199] The guide rail has a longitudinal T-slot and a pair of lateral flanges on opposite sides of the slot.

[0200] The first claw component and the second claw component, each claw component having an opposing U-shaped groove for receiving and sliding along the lateral flange of the guide rail.

[0201] A first bolt having a threaded shaft defining a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the long axis of the guide rail, a head located on a proximal end portion of the shaft, and a nut member located on a distal end portion of the shaft, the head being slidably engaged in a T-slot of the guide rail, wherein rotation of the nut member about the first axis of rotation causes the head to be fixed in a selected horizontal position within the T-slot, and

[0202] A second bolt defines a second axis of rotation parallel to the long axis of the guide rail. The second bolt connects the first claw member and the second claw member and is operable to move at least one of the claw members relative to the crossbar between a clamped position and an unclamped position relative to the other claw member.

[0203] F1. The device according to paragraph F0, wherein the second bolt connects the claw member below the crossbar.

[0204] F2. The device according to paragraph F0 or F1, wherein the claw member defines a space for partially enclosing the crossbar, the space having a reduced width extending distally from the guide rail.

[0205] F3. The device according to any one of paragraphs F0-F2, wherein rotation of the first bolt about the first axis of rotation causes the head to come into frictional contact with the inner surface of the T-slot.

[0206] F4. The device according to paragraph F3, wherein the head of the first bolt has one or more protrusions on the inner surface of the friction-engaging T-slot.

[0207] F5. The device according to any one of paragraphs F0-F4, wherein rotation of the second bolt about the second axis of rotation causes the second claw member to translate along the second axis of rotation, while the first claw member remains fixed along the second axis of rotation.

[0208] F6. The device according to any one of paragraphs F0-F5, wherein, before the actuating claw member clamps the crossbar, the first bolt positions the first claw member adjacent to the intersection of the guide rail and the crossbar.

[0209] G0. An assembly for attaching cargo to a crossbar mounted on top of a vehicle, comprising:

[0210] The guide rail has a track.

[0211] A first claw component and a second claw component, the claw component being capable of sliding along the track of the guide rail.

[0212] A horizontal bolt defines a second axis of rotation parallel to the long axis of the guide rail. The horizontal bolt connects a first claw member and a second claw member and is operable to move at least one of the claw members relative to the crossbar between a clamped position and an unclamped position relative to the other claw member.

[0213] A pre-clamping device operable to set the horizontal position of the first claw member before actuating the claw member to the clamping position.

[0214] G1. The component according to paragraph G0, wherein the guide rail has a T-slot, and the pre-clamping device is operable to frictionally engage the wall of the T-slot.

[0215] H0. A method for securing cargo to a pair of crossbars, comprising:

[0216] The first claw component is positioned along a guide rail to contact the crossbar, the guide rail extending perpendicular to the crossbar.

[0217] The first claw component is locked in position along the guide rail by rotating the bolt around a rotation axis perpendicular to the long axis of the guide rail.

[0218] The second claw component is driven toward the first claw component to clamp the guide rail to the crossbar.

[0219] H1. According to the method described in paragraph H0, the locking step includes forcing the bolt head into frictional contact with the inner surface of the T-slot in the guide rail.

[0220] H2. The method according to paragraph H0 or H1, wherein the guide rail has a pair of flanges, and the positioning step includes sliding a first claw member along the flanges of the guide rail.

[0221] H3. The method according to paragraph H2, wherein the driving step includes sliding the second claw member toward the first claw member along the flange of the guide rail.

[0222] Advantages, Features, and Benefits

[0223] The various examples of clamping assemblies described herein offer several advantages over known solutions for securing equipment or cargo to a set of crossbars. For example, the illustrative examples described herein secure equipment or cargo in directions parallel and perpendicular to the extensions of the crossbars.

[0224] In addition, among other benefits, the illustrative examples described herein allow users to access all fasteners from below and one side, which is convenient when standing on one side of a vehicle with crossbars.

[0225] In addition, among other benefits, the illustrative examples described herein allow users to adjust the position of each clamp of the component to accommodate various crossbar spacings.

[0226] In addition, among other benefits, the illustrative examples described herein allow users to position each clamp of the component as the clamp disengages from any crossbar, so that the position does not need to be readjusted each time the equipment or cargo is secured to the crossbar.

[0227] No known system or device can perform these functions, especially in a low-profile manner. Therefore, the illustrative examples described herein are particularly useful for mounting rooftop tents to vehicles. However, not all examples described herein offer the same advantages or to the same degree.

[0228] CONCLUSION

[0229] The above-described disclosure may cover a number of different examples with independent utility. While each of these has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated herein should not be construed as limiting, as many variations are possible. For the sake of the scope of section headings used in this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. The appended claims specifically point to certain combinations and sub-combinations considered novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority to this or related applications. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equivalent, or different in scope from the original claims, are also considered to be included within the subject matter of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A crossbar clamp assembly, comprising: Guide rail, the guide rail including a longitudinal groove; A first claw and a second claw, each of which is suspended on the guide rail and is able to slide along the guide rail; A vertical fastener assembly, the vertical fastener assembly including a bolt having a head portion located in the longitudinal groove of the guide rail, and the bolt extending through the first claw; and A horizontal fastener assembly extending through the lower portion of each of the first and second claws, wherein the crossbar clamping assembly is configured to receive a crossbar above the horizontal fastener assembly. The tightening of the vertical fastener assembly fixes the first claw relative to the guide rail, and the tightening of the horizontal fastener assembly pulls the first claw and the second claw together to clamp the received crossbar between the claws.

2. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Tightening the vertical fastener assembly and the horizontal fastener assembly fixes the position of the crossbar relative to the guide rail in the lateral and longitudinal directions.

3. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The vertical fastener assembly is accessible from the outside of the first claw.

4. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The horizontal fastener assembly is accessible from the outside of the first claw.

5. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each claw includes an upper T-slot to receive the lower portion of the guide rail.

6. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal groove of the guide rail is a T-shaped groove, and the vertical fastener assembly includes a T-bolt.

7. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The vertical fastener assembly also includes a nut that engages the threaded end of the T-bolt.

8. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The nut is located on the outside of the first claw.

9. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The vertical fastener assembly also includes a rectangular washer plate sandwiched between the guide rail and the first claw, through which the T-bolt extends.

10. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The horizontal fastener assembly includes a bolt having a head portion on the outside of the first claw and a rectangular nut on the outside of the second claw.

11. The crossbar clamp assembly of claim 10, further comprising a locking member covering the head portion of the bolt.

12. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the guide rail includes a plurality of openings configured to secure the guide rail to recreational equipment.

13. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The upper surface of the guide rail is higher than each of the first claw and the second claw.

14. The crossbar clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each claw includes an angled contact surface such that clamping the crossbar between the claws also clamps the crossbar against the lower surface of the guide rail.

15. A clamp assembly for securing recreational equipment to a crossbar, comprising: A guide rail, which is fastened to the leisure equipment and includes a longitudinal groove; A first claw and a second claw, each of which is suspended on the lower portion of the guide rail and is capable of sliding along the lower portion of the guide rail; A first fastener assembly extends through the first claw into the longitudinal groove of the guide rail; and A second fastener assembly extends through the lower portion of the first claw and the lower portion of the second claw; Tightening the first fastener assembly fixes the first claw relative to the guide rail, and tightening the second fastener assembly pulls the first claw and the second claw together to clamp the crossbar between the claws.

16. The clamping assembly of claim 15, wherein, The longitudinal groove is a central T-shaped groove provided in the lower surface of the guide rail.

17. The clamping assembly of claim 15, wherein, The guide rail has a flat upper surface that contacts the lower side of the leisure equipment, and the uppermost portion of each of the first claw and the second claw is located below the flat upper surface.

18. The clamping assembly of claim 15, wherein, The first fastener assembly and the second fastener assembly are each accessible from below and on one side of the clamp assembly.

19. A method for securing recreational equipment to a crossbar, comprising: Secure the guide rail to the underside of the leisure equipment; Raise the leisure equipment to the appropriate position on the top of the crossbar; Slide the first claw along the guide rail to a position against the crossbar; Tighten the vertical fasteners to secure the first claw relative to the guide rail; Insert the horizontal fastener below the crossbar through the aligned holes in the first and second claws; Tighten the horizontal fastener to pull the second claw toward the first claw, thereby clamping the crossbar.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Loosen the horizontal fastener to release the crossbar; Remove the horizontal fastener; Remove the leisure equipment from the crossbar; Fix the first claw relative to the guide rail; and Store the aforementioned leisure equipment.

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